Ile de France includes the city of Paris and its surrounds, with 8 departments in total, namely Paris, Essonne, Hauts-de-Seine, Seine-Saint-Denis, Seine-et-Marne, Val-de-Marne, Val-d’Oise and Yvelines. It is one of the most inhabited regions of France, representing almost 19% of the entire French population.
With more than 45 million visitors per year it is easily accessible from London via the Eurostar, which can be reasonably inexpensive when booked in advance. There is plenty to see and do, with all the art galleries, museums and sites in Paris itself to the numerous outdoor activities including Amusement Parks (think Disneyland Paris for instance), forests, lakes and River Seine not to mention landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower. Venture out from the city of Paris and you have easy access to notable places such as The Palace of Versailles or Fontainebleau. The exquisite Chateau de Vaux-le-Vicomte is extravagant with sumptuous grounds to explore is located in Maincy, 42.5 km from Ile de France. If you appreciate public gardens then you must visit Le Parc de la Vallee-aux-Loups in Chatenay-Malabry, just outside of Paris. The arboretum is just gorgeous and you can either have a picnic in the grounds or visit the lovely little café.
The Oise Valley just north of Paris was a haven for impressionist artists including Pissaro, Cezanne and even more notably, Van Gogh. Village Nature is the latest resort to be developed near Paris. Including a geo-thermal lake, aqua lagoon, water park, to list only a few of the attractions, this joint venture between Euro Disney and Center Parcs, located only 6km from Disneyland Paris, Village Nature is set to become Europe’s premier Eco Resort. Whatever your interests, Ile de France has so much to offer.
The Eurostar from London to Paris, Gare du Nord takes an average of 2.5 hours and is located approximately 30 km from Ile de France. Alternatively you can fly to Charles de Gaulle International Airport, which is only 26.5 km via the A104 motorway
